We go through life making choices that present us with one or all three. It’s up to us to decide whether or not the outcome is worth it.

There’s a lot of fear that goes into making that choice and that’s okay. Fear of the unknown is what helps us be alert to red flags or, in extreme situations, keep us from harm. And fear is a good survival instinct. It lets us know that maybe there’s a situation out there that’s too much or too dangerous for us to handle.

But you can’t let fear be the ruling factor in your life. Stopping before you even start or because of thoughts of failing is fear. You can’t let the possible negative outcomes determine your choices.

If you have a dream to write a novel, go write it. Don’t let your real-life responsibilities slide, but do make the time to write every day, even if it’s 20 minutes. Set a time and just do it. Same thing goes for any other creative form. Or if you want to add to your skill set in your field, if it’s medicine or law or cooking. Add to those skills. Make the time.

You have a dream. Accept that there’s fear in making that first step and push through it. There will be failures and false starts and rejection and obstacles. Stick with it. The only thing you have to fear is fear itself.